U.S.S. Nimitz moved to Red Sea

U.S. Aircraft Carried moved to Red Sea

Despite an impending vote by Congress, aircraft carrier U.S.S Nimitz continues on its course for a possible strike on Syria.

Adam Ross, 02/09/13 19:16

USS Nimitz

Reuters

Despite the decision made by U.S. President Barack Obama to put a proposed strike against the Syrian regime to a vote at Congress, the U.S army is continuing its preparation for a possible attack.

U.S. senior military source told ABC News that the aircraft carrier U.S.S Nimitz has arrived at the Red Sea accompanied by five additional ships including the cruiser USS Princeton and the destroyers USS William P. Lawrence, USS Stockdale and USS Shoup.

According to the source, the group of ships currently had no specific order to act but could be on hand should one be given.

"The moving of these ships to the region demonstrates the ability to act should the need arise" military sources said, adding: "We will also reduce the delay in our ability to carry out any orders given."

U.S. President Barack Obama surprised many around the world with his decision to put the question of an attack on Syria to Congress, following the suspected chemical attack by the Syrian army against a Damascus Suburb on 21 August that the U.S. administration says killed over 1400 civilians.

President Obama had initially stated his intention to strike at the Assad regime, but later adding that a decision would also be put to Congress in coming days.

"Over a thousand people were killed, among them hundreds of children. This represents a threat to the national security of the United States and its allies," he said.

Despite the decision being put to a vote, President Obama has stressed his readiness to take military action in response.

"There is no significance in the time, whether it be tomorrow, a week or a month. I am ready to give the order."

Earlier this week, Israeli media quoted senior Israeli officials as saying that Obama called Netanyahu on Saturday, some four hours before he appeared on national TV in the US to announce that he was holding back on taking action against Syria until Congress discussed what the appropriate actions should be.

President Obama has drawn criticism for prevaricating over his response to the chemical attack in Syria.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israelis to rest assured that the IDF remained alert and prepared for any eventuality in the region.